Al Jama-ah party said it won’t act against the former Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg and current Member of the Mayoral Community Development, Kabelo Gwamanda.
This after he was arrested on Friday and released on bail pending further investigations.
According to the Hawks, Gwamanda’s company Ithemba Lama Africa, sold funeral policies in Soweto 15 years ago, but failed to pay policyholders when they claimed.
The allegations were first made by former City of Joburg Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse, when she was ousted for the mayoral chain by Gwamanda in 2003
Gwamanda handed himself to the Hawks on Friday, and appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on charges of fraud, and then released on bail pending further investigations.
Hendricks lauded Gwamanda’s conduct leading to the arrest and the Hawks cooperation.
“Councillor Gwamanda was requested to present himself to the Protea North SAPS, which he fully complied with.
“The MMC was subsequently charged with fraud. He had on the same day appeared before a judge and is currently released on bail pending further investigation.
“Although the political party would like to observe and respect the sub-judice nature of the matter, we as a Political Party reaffirm our respect for the Rule of Law and Judicial Processes as demonstrated by MMC Gwamanda,” said Hendricks
He however questioned the timing of the arrest and described it as suspicious.
“We are however surprised by the timing of the law enforcement at the time of Gwamanda’s appointment to the Government of National Unity Clearing House Committee and on the eve of the highly contested street renaming from Sandton Drive to Leila Khaled Drive.
“Although we advocate for the application and enforcement of the rule of law, we would equally appreciate a fair application of such across the board, the merits of the case are yet to be tested before a court of law,” explained Hendricks.
He applauded Gwamanda’s conduct before the arrest and cooperation from the Hawks.
